Hidden Paths Guide: All Alternate Route Locations

This is a list of all alternate route locations in New Pokemon Snap (Pokemon Snap 2) for the Nintendo Switch. Read on to learn all alternate routes for each course, as well as how to unlock them.

List of Alternate Routes

Tap to Jump to a section
Park (Day)	Park (Night)	Research Camp
Side Path (Day)	Side Path (Night)	Jungle (Day)
Jungle (Night)	Forest	River (Day)
River (Night)	Beach (Day)	Beach (Night)
Reef (Day)	Reef (Evening)	Undersea
Sands (Day)	Sands (Night)	Volcano
Illumina Spot (Fireflow Volcano)	Badlands (Day)	Badlands (Night)
Snowfields (Day)	Snowfields (Night)	Cave
Illumina Spot (Outaway Cave)	Ruins

Florio Alternate Routes

Park (Day) Alternate Routes

Park (Day) Walkthrough: List of Pokemon and How to Unlock

Alternate Route 1 - Bidoof's Dam

Research Level	Lv. 3

The alternate path for Park (Day) is unlocked upon reaching Research Level 3. Press and Hold the Scan button as you approach the Bidoof's dam.

Discovering this alternate route unlocks the Dam Completed research title.

Alternate Route 2 - Secret Side Path

Research Level	Lv. 2

As part of the free content update, a new alternate route can be found after crossing the first bridge. Scan the tree on your left in the grassy area where the Grookey sleeps. A cutscene will play, showing the Neo-One shrinking down to enter the hole in the tree.

Discovering this alternate route unlocks the Side Path (Day) course.

Park (Night) Alternate Route

Park (Night) Walkthrough: List of Pokemon and How to Unlock

Alternate Route 1 - Bidoof's Dam

Alternate Routes
Alternate Route at Research Level 1	Alternate Route at Research Level 2

The alternate route for this course is similar to Park (Day). Run a scan in the area with the Torterras to reveal the alternate route. The path is slightly different at Research Level 2 but it leads you to the same route.

Research Camp Alternate Route

Research Camp Walkthrough: List of Pokemon and How to Unlock

Alternate Route 1 - Research Lab

As you approach the lab from either starting point, scanning will bring up the option for you to take a short detour through the lab. Keep in mind that depending on your starting point, the Pokemon inside will be different.

Discovering this alternate route unlocks the Lab Explorer research title.

Side Path (Day) Alternate Route

Research Level	Lv. 1

After the Dodrio appears to scare away the Scorbunny and Pichu at the start of the course, scan the grass to your left to access the Snorlax Den.

Scan the Research Spot First

Before you can access the alternate path, you might first need to scan another research spot later in the course. You can find the research spot at the gap revealing a sleeping Snorlax.

All Research Spot Locations

Side Path (Night) Alternate Route

Research Level	Lv. 1

After unlocking the Snorlax Den path in Side Path (Day), you should be able to access the same alternate route in Side Path (Night).

Belusylva Alternate Routes

Jungle (Day) Alternate Routes

Jungle (Day) Walkthrough: List of Pokemon and How to Unlock

Alternate Route 1 - Swamp

Research Level	Lv. 2

The first Alternate Route for Jungle (Day) is unlocked upon reaching Research Level 2. You need to throw an Illumina Orb at the Crystabloom near this route. Footprints will appear and scanning them allows you to enter the hidden path.

Discovering this alternate path unlocks the Path to the Swamp research title.

Alternate Route 2 - Waterfall

Research Level	Lv. 3

The second Alternate Route for Jungle (Day) is unlocked upon reaching Research Level 3. You need to throw an Illumina Orb at the Liepard to gain access to this path.

Discovering this alternate path unlocks the Hindsight Completed research title.

Jungle (Night) Alternate Routes

Jungle (Night) Walkthrough: List of Pokemon and How to Unlock

Alternate Route 1 - Swamp

Research Level	Lv. 2 or higher

You can unlock this Alternate Route by throwing an Illumina Orb on the Crystabloom near this route. Footprints will appear and scanning them allows you to enter the hidden path.

Discovering this alternate path unlocks the Path to the Swamp research title.

Alternate Route 2 - Ruins Route

Research Level	Lv. 2 or higher

You can find the second alternate route as you approach the Ancient Ruins. You need to throw an Illumina Orb at the sleeping Liepard on a cliff.

Alternate Route 3 - Waterfall

Research Level	Lv. 2 or higher

You can find this Alternate Route near the Liepard sleeping near the waterfall. To unlock this path, play the Melody to move the Liepard out of the way and run a scan to proceed through the waterfall.

Discovering this alternate route unlocks the Hindsight Completed research title.

Forest Alternate Routes

Forest Walkthrough: List of Pokemon and How to Unlock

Alternate Route 1 - Trevenant Route

In the first foggy area, look to your right to find a Trevenant and a floating rock. Play the Melody for the Pokemon to let you pass to this alternate route.

Alternate Route 2 - Crystabloom Route

In the second foggy area, find and light the crystablooms with an Illumina Orb. Lighting all the flowers lets you enter the alternate route found near the end of the area.

While you do not get a research title for discovering these two alternate paths, you can get the Four Seasons research title after seeing all Seasons in this course.

Forest Seasons

Spring	Give Espeon a Fluffruit.
Summer	Throw an Illumina Orb at Espeon.
Autumn	Take the first Alternate Route and give Espeon a Fluffruit.
Winter	Take the first Alternate Route and throw an Illumina Orb at Espeon.

Unlike other courses, the Forest contains seasons. From Research Level 3, you may change what season you'll get depending on whether you took the first alternate route and what you gave to Espeon.

See the table above to learn how to enter a specific season!

River (Day) Alternate Route

Research Level	Lv. 2

The first alternate route can only be accessed at Research Level 2. After passing by the waterfall, the Neo-One will automatically move at the area where the groups of Tropius and Toucannon can be found.

River (Night) Alternate Route

Research Level	Lv. 2

After passing through the waterfall, look to your right to find a group of Beautifly clinging on some hanging plants. Run a scan to access the alternate route.

Maricopia Alternate Routes

Beach (Day) Alternate Route

Beach (Day) Walkthrough: List of Pokemon and How to Unlock

Alternate Route 1 - Private Beach

Default Route	Right (North route on Map)
Alternate Route	Left (South route on Map)

Beach (Day) has one Alternate Route in the middle of the course. Run a scan to take the left path of the level.

Discovering this alternate route unlocks the Private Beach research title.

Beach (Night) Alternate Route

Beach (Night) Walkthrough: List of Pokemon and How to Unlock

Alternate Route - Private Beach

Default Route	Right (North route on Map)
Alternate Route	Left (South route on Map)

Beach (Night) has one Alternate Route in the middle of the course. Run a scan to take this hidden path.

Discovering this alternate route unlocks the Private Beach research title.

Reef (Day) Alternate Routes

Reef (Day) Walkthrough: List of Pokemon and How to Unlock

Alternate Route 1 - Wailord's Head

Once you have Research Level 2, you can change the route in the area near the Wailord. Point your camera to the right to head towards in front of Wailord while pointing to the left leads you behind it near the area with a group of Pelippers.

Discovering this alternate route unlocks the Alternate Paths on the Sea research title.

Alternate Route 2 - Blue Hole

Default Route	Left
Alternate Route	Right

Near the end of the course, you can scan the area to find an alternate route near the rocks.

Discovering this alternate route unlocks the Blue Hole research title.

Reef (Evening) Alternate Routes

Reef (Evening) Walkthrough: List of Pokemon and How to Unlock

Alternate Route 1 - Wailord's Head

Once you have Research Level 2, you can change the route in the area near the two Wailords. Point your camera to the right to head towards the Wailords while pointing to the left leads you to the area with a group of Drifblims.

Discovering this alternate route unlocks the Alternate Paths on the Sea research title.

Alternate Route 2 - Blue Hole

Default Route	Left
Alternate Route	Right

Near the end of the course, you can scan the area to find an alternate route near the rocks. Going to this alternate route leads you to an area with a group of Lapras.

Discovering this alternate route unlocks the Blue Hole research title.

Undersea Alternate Routes

Undersea Walkthrough: List of Pokemon and How to Unlock

Alternate Route 1 - Undersea Cave

Research Level	Lv. 2

At Research Level 2, if you throw an Illumina Orb at the Clawitzer near the starting point, it will destroy the rocks leading to a hidden path.

At Reseach Level 3, you can simply run a scan to proceed through this route.

Discovering this alternate route unlocks the Under the Sea research title.

Alternate Route 2 - Lugia's Lair

Research Level	Lv. 2

You can find another alternate route just after passing the first hidden path. You need to follow some steps in order to gain access to this route.

Discovering this alternate route unlocks the Seafloor Den research title.

1		Head to the first Alternate Route.
2		Throw an Illumina Orb at the Lanturn after passing through the cave where Starmie is.
3		Turn towards the two Frillish and wait until Wailord appears.
4		Throw an Illumina Orb at the Lanturn to rescue it from the two Frillish.
5		Follow the Lanturn to enter this Alternate Route.

Voluca Alternate Routes

Sands (Day) Alternate Route

Sands (Day) Walkthrough: List of Pokemon and How to Unlock

Alternate Route 1 - Oasis Path

Research Level	Lv. 2

At Research Level 2, you can take this Alternate Route to head to the path on the right. Run a scan near the oasis to find this alternate path.

Discovering this alternate route unlocks the Oasis Tour Guide research title.

Sands (Night) Alternate Route

Sands (Night) Walkthrough: List of Pokemon and How to Unlock

Alternate Route 1 - Oasis Path

Research Level	Lv. 2

Near the oasis area, you can run a scan to take an Alternate Route. This leads you to the left side of the oasis and to another part of the course.

Discovering this alternate route unlocks the Oasis Tour Guide research title.

Volcano Alternate Route

Volcano Walkthrough: List of Pokemon and How to Unlock

Alternate Path 1 - Blue Magma Lair

Research Level	Lv. 3

At Research Level 3, you have the option to choose between the two routes found at Research Level 1 and 2. Run a scan to take the path on the right.

Discovering this alternate route unlocks the Blue Magma research title.

Illumina Spot (Fireflow Volcano) Alternate Route

Illumina Spot (Fireflow Volcano) Walkthrough: List of Pokemon and How to Unlock

Alternate Route 1

Research Level	Lv. 2 or higher

You can take an alternate route in this course by following specific steps. At the beginning the course, throw a Fluffruit at the Volcarona on the left side to automatically proceed to the alternate route.

Badlands (Day) Alternate Route

Research Level	Lv. 2

At the beginning of the course, look for the Crystabloom east of the large boulder. Throw an Illumina Orb at the Crystabloom before passing through the first pool of water.

If done correctly, the large boulder will land on the pool of water. Run a scan while approaching the boulder to access the alternate route.

Badlands (Night) Alternate Route

Research Level	Lv. 2

To unlock the alternate route at Badlands (Night), you throw an Illumina Orb and take a photo of at least three Digletts at the beginning of the course. After the Digletts move to the large boulder, throw an Illumina Orb at the Crystabloom next to it to access the alternate route.

See the table below to learn how to unlock this alternate route!

1		Start Badlands (Night) at Research Level 2. Look down to the ground and throw an Illumina Orb at the moving dust to uncover a Diglett. Take a photo of it. You need to do this at least three times to move the Digletts near the large boulder.
2		Three Digletts should appear next to the large boulder. Throw an Illumina Orb at the Crystabloom.
3		If done correctly, the Digletts will move the large boulder to block the geyser. Run a scan to take the alternate route.

Durice Alternate Routes

Snowfields (Day) Alternate Routes

Snowfields (Day) Walkthrough: List of Pokemon and How to Unlock

Alternate Route 1 - Other Side of the Snow Wall

Research Level	Lv. 2

You can unlock the this Alternate Route by following some specific steps. Unlocking this Alternate Route also allows you to head through the same snow wall on Snowfields (Night).

Discovering this alternate route unlocks the Through the Wall of Snow research title.

1		Start the course at Reseach Level 2. From the starting point, look to your left to find a Sandslash and take a photo of it.
2		Follow the Sandslash's trail and take a photo of it on a hill just above the Beartic and Cubchoo.
3		Look to your right and wait for Sandslash to reappear again. After it digs through the snow, run a scan to head through the snow to reveal the first Alternate Route.

Alternate Route 2 - Ice Cave Snow Wall

Research Level	Lv. 2

You can unlock the this Alternate Route by following some specific steps. Once you have unlocked it, you can access this snow wall leading to the ice cave in this course.

Discovering this alternate route unlocks the Icy Cavern research title.

1		After unlocking the first snow wall Alternate Route, start Snowfields (Night) and set the Research Level to 2. Follow the same route leading through a snow.
2		Throw an Illumina Orb at the Crabominable and wait for it to wake up the Abomasnow.
3		After the Abomasnow wakes up, look above and take a photo of Froslass as soon as it appears.
4		Run a scan and take the second Alternate Route to head through the snow.

Snowfields (Night) Alternate Routes

Snowfields (Night) Walkthrough: List of Pokemon and How to Unlock

Alternate Route 1 - Other Side of the Snow Wall

Research Level	Lv. 2

You can unlock the this Alternate Route by following some specific steps while in Snowfields (Day). After unlocking it on that course, you can access it at nighttime.

Discovering this alternate route unlocks the Through the Wall of Snow research title.

1		Start the Snowfields (Day) at Reseach Level 2. From the starting point, look to your left to find a Sandslash and take a photo of it.
2		Follow the Sandslash's trail and take a photo of it on a hill just above the Beartic and Cubchoo.
3		Look to your right and wait for Sandslash to reappear again. After it digs through the snow, run a scan to head through the snow to reveal the first Alternate Route.

Alternate Route 2 - Ice Cave Snow Wall

Research Level	Lv. 2

After unlocking the first Alternate Route, you can find and unlock this second alternate path that leads you to an ice cave.

Discovering this alternate route unlocks the Icy Cavern research title.

1		After unlocking the first snow wall Alternate Route, start Snowfields (Night) and set the Research Level to 2. Follow the same route leading through a snow.
2		Throw an Illumina Orb at the Crabominable and wait for it to wake up the Abomasnow.
3		After the Abomasnow wakes up, look above and take a photo of Froslass as soon as it appears.
4		Run a scan and take the second Alternate Route to head through the snow.

Cave Alternate Routes

Cave Walkthrough: List of Pokemon and How to Unlock

Alternate Route 1 - Giant Crystals

Research Level	Lv. 3

Upon reaching Research Level 3, you can follow the two Noibats as they enter a path to the cave. Look for the two Noibats as you descend down and then run a scan to head towards this Alternate Route.

Discovering this alternate route unlocks the Giant Crystals research title.

Alternate Route 2 - Into the Cave Depths

Research Level	Lv. 3

Reaching this Alternate Route requires following a few steps. See the table below to learn how to unlock this alternate path!

Discovering this alternate route unlocks the Flowers Deep Underground research title.

1		Start this course at Research Level 3. Proceed thorugh the course and head towards the first alternate route.
2		Throw Illumia Orbs at the two Carbink and the Mawile.
3		Wait for Diancie to show up and throw an Illumina Orb at it.
4		Look for the Mawile on top of a rock near the crystals and run a scan to proceed through the alternate route.

Alternate Route 3 - Rimstone Formation

Research Level	Lv. 3

Reaching this Alternate Route requires following a few steps. You need to follow the Hydreigon and wake up the two sleeping Crobats to unlock this path.

Discovering this alternate route unlocks the Rimstone research title.

1		Start this course at Research Level 3 and follow the Hydreigon as you descend down the cave.
2		Look to your upper left and throw an Illumina Orb at the sleeping Crobat
3		Look to your upper right and play the Melody at the sleeping Crobat.
4		As you reach the area with a Rampardos, run a scan and head to the alternate route.

Illumina Spot (Outaway Cave) Alternate Routes

Illumina Spot (Outaway Cave) Walkthrough: List of Pokemon and How to Unlock

Alternate Route 1

Research Level	Lv. 2

You can find the alternate route at the end of this course. Set your Research Level to 2 and proceed through the course and run a scan to head through this alternate path.

Ruins Alternate Route

Ruins Walkthrough: List of Pokemon and How to Unlock

Alternate Route 1 - Elevator

Research Level	Lv. 2

The alternate route in Ruins requires following some steps. You need to light all six crystablooms near the statues inside the ruins to enter this hidden path.

If done correctly, a pillar of light appears near the exit point and you will automatically head to this path and unlock the Illumina Spot at Outaway Cave.

Discovering this alternate route unlocks the Elevator of Light research title.

How to Find Alternate Routes

Alternate Routes are hidden paths that you can take when going on an expedition. You can head to an alternate route by runnning a scan.

Unlocking certain hidden routes will reward you with Research Titles. These are often unlocked by leveling up your Research Level or by following some specific steps.

How to Unlock All Research Titles

Related Guides

Tips and Tricks

New Pokemon Snap Tips and Tricks

Guides
How to Raise Your Research Level Quickly	How to Get a High Star Ranking
All Secrets and Easter Eggs	Post Game Contents and 100 Percent Guide
How to Use Auto Select Efficiently	How to Unlock Burst Mode
All Ancient Ruin Locations	All Crystabloom Locations
Hidden Paths Guide: All Branching Route Locations	How to Get Behind the Waterfall
How to Get 10 3-Star Photos in One Run	How to Get 10 4-Star Photos in One Run
All Research Spot Locations	How to Get a High Course Score
Unlockables
How to Unlock All Research Titles	How to Unlock All Profile Icons
How to Unlock All Stickers	How to Unlock All Filters
How to Unlock All Frames	List of Unlockables
FAQs
How Long is New Pokemon Snap?	Is New Pokemon Snap Multiplayer?
Amiibo Compatibility	Are There Shinies? Color Variation Guide
How to Change Your Name	How to Speed Up the Neo-One
How to Save	Evolutions Guide: How Do Evolutions Work?
What is in the Whirlpool in Maricopia Reef?	-
Online Play
How Does Online Play Work?	How to Get a High Ranking Online
How to Get Sweet! Medals	-
Mechanics and Game Controls
Controls and Best Settings	How to Print New Pokemon Snap Photos
Camera Guide: Camera Features and How to Use	Photo Editing Mode Guide
How to Change Your Language Settings	How to Use Re-Snap